Dec 8, 2013 Announcements

Sermon:  “Crossing the River” 

Scriptures:   Matthew 3:1-12; Romans 15:4-13 

In this week’s advent focus on “peace”, our Gospel lesson focuses on the prophet John baptizing in the river Jordan, re-enacting the crossing of the Israelites into the “promised land”.   It’s a powerful image of being called back to our spiritual roots as we engage in a renewal or re-direction in our journey homeward toward a God of infinite love — and therefore a perfect image for us to embrace during this time of advent waiting.  What about our lives needs renewing or redirecting?  How is God calling us to live lives of internal peace and to work for peace among those with whom we differ — both theologically and politically?
Join us for worship on Sunday, December 8tht at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.   We will the second Sunday of Advent.

Wrap Around Sale
Each November, the Nave Gallery hosts the Wrap Around Sale, a sale of handmade knitted/crocheted/sewn goods to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC). The sale runs from 1-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, through December 15th (closed Thanksgiving weekend.)

Wrap Around is a great way to buy some unique and handmade gifts, and support a wonderful local organization.

Last year they raised almost $3,000 for SHC. Can they raise $5,000 this year?

Advent Meditations Booklets!
 Every year we look forward to reading the meditations written by members and friends of the church as they reflect on the daily scriptures during Advent.  Make sure you get your copy!

Sponsoring Two Families for Christmas
We will once again be sponsoring two families for Christmas, purchasing presents for them.  Our families this year are living in a shelter.  Look for the mini-tree in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, which will have slips of paper with gift suggestions, along with instructions.  If you have questions, or need more information, contact Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com).

Prayer Meeting
on Sunday, December 8th right after coffee hour in the Green Room.  Jesus said, ‘When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” Bring your prayers about whatever joys or concerns you may have on your mind and in your heart. All are welcome.

Session will meet:
at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9th.

Horizons Bible Study
will meet on Friday, December 13th at 3:30 p.m. at the home of a church member.  For more information, please contact Salam (salamlebbos@hotmail.com).

Advent Fellowship Potluck
Please join us on Saturday,  December 14 for a trip to Zoolights at the Stone Zoo followed by a potluck dinner. Zoolights is a winter wonderland of tree lined paths decorated with holiday lights. In addition to being able to see some of the animals of the Yukon Creek section of the zoo, there is also Santa’s Castle, along with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals.

Tickets cost $7.00 for non-members and $6.00 for zoonewengland members. Children under 2 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased online athttp://www.zoonewengland.org/StoneZoo or at the zoo. It is recommended to avoid long lines buying tickets online.

We will meet at the Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA at 5pm. After enjoying Zoolights we will travel to the home of church members for the potluck portion of the evening. Feel free to attend one or both parts of the evening. For those who are attending the potluck only please meet us at the home of church members  at 6:30pm and bring a main dish or appetizer. For those attending Zoolights first, please bring a dessert or item like a salad that will be ok sitting in a car.  For more information, or if you would like to carpool, please call Ruth at Ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com. See you there!

Sunday, December 15th – It’s a Wrap! party
Join us during coffee hour after the service, as we wrap Christmas gifts for the families that we are sponsoring from Somerville Early Head Start.

Men’s Bible Study 
Wednesday, December 18th at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

Saturday, December 21st, 8:00 p.m.: Nave Gallery Music Series:
Jason Anderson presents the 7th Annual Good Cheer Festival.

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